Unique part authentication

ABSTRACT

Implementations described herein generally relate to improved part authentication. In one implementation, a method includes acquiring information related to a part. The information may include identification information of the part and a unique code. The method further includes determining, using a stored algorithm, whether the unique code comprises a result of applying the stored algorithm to the identification information. The method further includes, responsive to determining that the unique code comprises the result of applying the stored algorithm to the identification information, activating a feature of the part or a feature of process equipment associated with the part.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/678,801, entitled “UNIQUE PART AUTHENTICATION,” by the sameinventors, filed 31 May 2018, the contents of which are incorporatedherein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

Implementations described herein generally relate to improving partauthentication by providing applications that generate and use uniquecodes for authentication of parts.

Description of the Related Art

Providers of hardware, such as tools related to the manufacture ofdisplays or semiconductors, often provide a variety of parts tocustomers. In some cases, customers may acquire parts from third-partysuppliers, such as spares or refurbished parts sold by entities thathave no relationship to the original provider. This may present a numberof issues, such as a loss of revenue for the provider, difficulty inidentifying genuine parts, and an inability for the provider to collectadditional data about the use of the parts by the customer, such asdates, lifetimes, and the like.

In particular, it may be difficult to authenticate “passive” parts thathave no internal memory (e.g., purely mechanical parts). Without theability to store authentication information within a part (e.g., anauthentication key stored in internal memory of a part), determining thevalidity of the part may be difficult. As such, there is a need forimproved techniques for part authentication.

SUMMARY

Implementations described herein generally relate to improved partauthentication. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiringinformation related to a part, wherein the information comprises:identification information of the part; and a unique code. The methodfurther includes determining, using a stored algorithm, whether theunique code comprises a result of applying the stored algorithm to theidentification information; and responsive to determining that theunique code comprises the result of applying the stored algorithm to theidentification information, activating a feature of the part or afeature of process equipment associated with the part.

In another implementation, a computer system is provided, whichcomprises a memory and a processor configured to perform a method forimproved part authentication. In one embodiment, the method includesacquiring information related to a part, wherein the informationcomprises: identification information of the part; and a unique code.The method further includes determining, using a stored algorithm,whether the unique code comprises a result of applying the storedalgorithm to the identification information; and responsive todetermining that the unique code comprises the result of applying thestored algorithm to the identification information, activating a featureof the part or a feature of process equipment associated with the part.

In yet another implementation, a non-transitory computer-readable mediumis provided, which comprises instructions to perform a method forimproved part authentication. In one embodiment, the method includesacquiring information related to a part, wherein the informationcomprises: identification information of the part; and a unique code.The method further includes determining, using a stored algorithm,whether the unique code comprises a result of applying the storedalgorithm to the identification information; and responsive todetermining that the unique code comprises the result of applying thestored algorithm to the identification information, activating a featureof the part or a feature of process equipment associated with the part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the presentdisclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe implementations, briefly summarized above, may be had by referenceto implementations, some of which are illustrated in the appendeddrawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawingsillustrate only typical implementations of this disclosure and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosuremay admit to other equally effective implementations.

FIG. 1 depicts an example of computing devices with which embodiments ofthe present disclosure may be implemented;

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of generating a unique code according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates an example of part authentication based on a uniquecode according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates example operations for generating a unique codeaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates example operations for part authentication based on aunique code according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts an example computer system with which embodiments of thepresent disclosure may be implemented.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of oneimplementation may be beneficially incorporated in other implementationswithout further recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes methods for improved partauthentication. Certain details are set forth in the followingdescription and in FIGS. 1-5 to provide a thorough understanding ofvarious implementations of the disclosure. Other details describingwell-known structures and systems often associated with parts and toolswith which embodiments described herein may be implemented are not setforth in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thedescription of the various implementations.

Many of the details, dimensions, components, and other features shown inthe Figures are merely illustrative of particular implementations.Accordingly, other implementations can have other details, components,dimensions, angles and features without departing from the spirit orscope of the present disclosure. In addition, further implementations ofthe disclosure can be practiced without several of the details describedbelow.

Techniques described herein generally relate to authentication of parts.Parts may, for example, be components used in, on, or with substrateprocessing systems used in an electronic device fabrication (e.g., waferfabrication) process, such as chemical mechanical polishing (CMP)systems, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chambers, physical vapordeposition (PVD) chambers, ion implantation chambers, etch processingsystems and/or chambers, photolithography processing systems, substratethinning system (e.g. backgrind), processing systems related thereto,and other processing systems used in the manufacturing of electronicdevices, such as semiconductor devices. For example, a part may be a PVDor CVD chamber, a power source such as a battery, or the like that isused with a wafer fabrication system such as a PVD or CVD system.

Authentication of parts can be challenging, particularly for parts thathave no internal memory. For example, customers may acquire parts foruse with manufacturing tools from third-party sources that have norelationship to the original provider of the parts. As such, theoriginal provider may lose revenue and may be unable to track usage ofthe parts. Furthermore, the customer may be unable to confirm whether ornot a part is genuine and appropriate for use with a particular tool.

Embodiments of the present disclosure involve applications that allowfor the generation and use of unique codes to authenticate parts. In oneembodiment, an application is provided that receives identificationinformation of a part and generates a unique code for the part based onthe identification information using a particular technique (e.g., aparticular algorithm). For example, the application may be provided to asupplier of a part, and the supplier may enter identificationinformation of the part into the application (e.g., via a user interfaceassociated with the application). The identification information mayinclude, for example, a serial number, a date (e.g., manufacturing date,refurbishment date, or the like), and a supplier identifier. In certainembodiments, the identification information may be found affixed to thepart, such as on a label. In some embodiments, the identificationinformation may be included in the form of a bar code on the part, andthe bar code may be scanned by an image capture device associated withthe application (e.g., a bar code scanner or camera associated with acomputing device on which the application runs).

The application generates a unique code based on the identificationinformation. For example, the application may apply an algorithm to theidentification information in order to generate the unique code. Thealgorithm may, for example, comprise a hash function. The applicationoutputs the unique code, which may be affixed to the part, such as on alabel that is attached to the part. In some embodiments, the unique codeis affixed to the part in the form of a bar code. The supplier mayprovide the part to a customer with the unique code and theidentification information affixed to the part.

A companion application may be provided to the customer for partauthentication. For example, the application may be included with a toolto which the part corresponds, and may be integrated with a userinterface. In certain embodiments, the unique code and identificationinformation of the part are entered into the application. For example,the customer may enter the unique code and identification informationfrom a label on the part into the application via a user interface. Insome embodiments, the unique code and/or the identification informationmay be in the form of one or more bar codes affixed to the part, and maybe entered into the application by scanning the one or more bar codesusing an image capture device associated with a computing device onwhich the application runs.

The application authenticates the part based on the unique code and theidentification information. The application may store a technique (e.g.,algorithm) that matches the technique used to generate the unique code.For example, the two companion applications (e.g., the application usedby the supplier to generate the code and the application used by thecustomer to authenticate the part) may both store the same algorithm.The application authenticates the part by determining whether the uniquecode was generated based on the identification information using thealgorithm. For example, the application may apply the algorithm to theidentification information and determine whether the result matches theunique code acquired from the part. If the application determines thatthe unique code was generated based on the identification informationusing the algorithm, then the application determines that the part isauthentic. Otherwise, the application determines that the part is notauthentic.

One or more features of a part or equipment associated with the part maybe enabled based on authentication. For example, a feature of the partor equipment associated with the part may only be activated if the partis determined to be authentic. Features related to enhanced performance,for example, may be activated if the part is authentic. In one example,a part may operate at a lower power level until it is authenticated, atwhich a point higher power level is activated. In another example, apart is associated with a polishing system that is locked to prevent itfrom performing certain types of polishing processes and/or operationsprior to authenticating the part (e.g., which may be a required part forthe system). After part authentication, the polishing system may engagein the previously locked polishing process and/or operations. This mayensure safety and reliability as, in some circumstances, performingcertain functions and/or processes using unauthorized and/orincompatible parts may result in unsafe processing conditions and/orunreliable results.

The unique code may be stored by the application if the part isauthentic in order to prevent unlicensed re-use of the unique code. Forexample, the unique code may be stored as an authenticated code in astorage associated with the application. If the part is determined notto be authentic, then the customer may be notified that authenticationhas failed, such as through a user interface associated with theapplication. In certain embodiments, one or more features of the partmay be disabled (or not enabled if they are disabled by default) if thepart is not authentic.

Once a unique code is stored as an authenticated code, any futureattempt to authenticate a part using the unique code may be prevented.For example, as part of the authentication process, the application maycompare a received unique code to any authenticated unique codes thatare stored, and determine whether the received unique code has alreadybeen used. A unique code that has already been used may be determinednot to be authentic or, in some embodiments, the customer may beprovided with a notification indicating that the unique code has alreadybeen used.

It is noted that network connectivity is not required for techniquesdescribed herein. However, embodiments may be implemented with networkconnectivity, such as providing a customer with the ability to purchasea license for a part that is determined not to be authentic.Furthermore, if a network connection is available, authenticated uniquecodes may be stored in a network-accessible location in order to preventre-use of unique codes across different tools.

Techniques described herein constitute an improvement with respect toconventional industry practices, as they allow for the authentication ofparts without requiring network connectivity and without requiring theparts to have internal memory. Computing applications described hereinallow for parts, such as those associated with manufacturing equipment,to be efficiently authenticated, thereby allowing suppliers to maintaincontrol of part distribution, ensure quality control of parts, and trackpart usage over time (e.g., based on maintenance and part lifetimeinformation received from customers). Preventing unauthorizeddistribution and re-use of parts according to techniques describedherein increases market share and revenues related to parts, as well asprofit margins from spares and repairs of parts. As such, the presentdisclosure recites a computer-based solution that utilizes computingtechnology in a particular way to solve a modern business challengerelating to technology.

FIG. 1 depicts an example 100 of computing devices with whichembodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. As shown,example 100 includes computing devices 110 and 120, each of which may bea computing device such as a rack server, desktop or laptop computer,mobile phone, tablet, or the like. Storage 114 and storage 124 maycomprise physical storage entities or logical storage entities backed byphysical storage entities.

Computing device 110 comprises a code generator 112, which may be anapplication that is used by a supplier of a part to generate a uniquecode for the part based on identification information of the part. Forexample, the supplier may retrieve the identification information (e.g.,serial number, manufacturing date, supplier identifier, and/or the like)from the part, such as from a label affixed to the part, and enter theidentification information into code generator, such as through a userinterface.

Code generator 112 uses algorithm 116 in storage 114 to generate aunique code based on the identification information input into codegenerator 112. For example, algorithm 116 may comprise a hash function,and code generator may apply the hash function to the identificationinformation in order to generate the unique code. Code generator 112 mayoutput the unique code, such as through the user interface, and thesupplier may affix the unique code to the part, such as on a labelincluding a bar code. The supplier may then supply the part to acustomer.

Computing device 120 comprises a code authenticator, which may be anapplication that is used by a customer to authenticate a part based on aunique code and identification information of a part. In one embodiment,computing device 120 is associated with a tool to which a part to beauthenticated corresponds.

For example, the customer may input the unique code and identificationinformation into code authenticator 122, such as by scanning one or morebar codes affixed to the part using an image capture device associatedwith computing device 120. Code authenticator 122 may use algorithm 126in storage 124 to determine whether the unique code was generated basedon the identification information using algorithm 126. Algorithm 126 isthe same as algorithm 116, and this enables code authenticator 122 todetermine whether the unique code was authentically generated. Forexample, code authenticator 122 may apply algorithm 126 to theidentification information and determine whether the result matches theunique code. In the event of a match, then code authenticator 122determines that the unique code is authentic. If there is no match, thencode authenticator 122 determines that the unique code is not authentic.

Computing device 120 may perform additional operations based on whetheror not the unique code is determined to be authentic. For example, oneor more features of the part may be de-activated by default, andcomputing device 120 may activate the one or more features of the partif the unique code is authentic. If the unique code is not authentic,computing device 120 may notify the customer that authentication hasfailed. In certain embodiments, all features of the part are activatedby default, and one or more features may be de-activated if the uniquecode is determined not to be authentic.

If a unique code is determined to be authentic, code authenticator 122stores the unique code in storage 126 as an authenticated code toprevent re-use of the unique code. For example, if the customer tries toauthenticate a different part using the same unique code, codeauthenticator 122 determines that the unique code has already beenauthenticated, and prevents the unique code from being used again.

In one example, a part is associated with wafer fabrication equipment(WFE). A supplier of the part uses code generator 112 as describedherein to generate a unique code for the part based on identificationinformation of the part. The unique code is then affixed to the partalong with the identification information. The part is supplied to acustomer, and the customer attaches the part to a piece of WFEassociated with code authenticator 122. The WFE then uses codeauthenticator 122 to authenticate the part based on the unique code andthe identification information as described herein. If the part isauthenticated, one or more features (e.g., higher power, previouslylocked processes or operations, and/or the like) of the part or WFE areactivated and the unique code is stored by the WFE as an authenticatedcode. If the part is not authenticated, the customer is notified thatthe part is not authentic, and the one or more features are notactivated.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of generating a unique code according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

A part 210 (e.g., a part for a manufacturing tool) comprisesidentification information 212. For example, identification information212 may comprise information that identifies part 210, such as a serialnumber, date, and/or supplier identifier. In some embodiments,identification information 212 is included on a label affixed to part210.

Identification information 212 is provided (e.g., by a supplier of thepart) as input to code generator 112 of FIG. 1, which outputs a uniquecode 214 that is generated based on identification information 212. Forexample, code generator 112 may apply an algorithm to identificationinformation 212 in order to generate unique code 214. Unique code 214may be affixed to part 210, such as on a label, by the supplier.

Part 210 may be provided with identification information 212 and uniquecode 214 to a customer.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example of part authentication based on a uniquecode according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Part 210 (e.g., which may be the same as part 210 of FIG. 2A) comprisesidentification information 212 and unique code 214 (e.g., on a labelaffixed to part 210).

Identification information 212 and unique code 214 are provided (e.g.,by a customer) as input to code authenticator 122 of FIG. 1, whichperforms operations related to authentication of part 210. For example,code authenticator 122 may use a stored algorithm to determine whetherunique code 214 was generated based on identification information 212using the stored algorithm, which may be the same as an algorithm ofcode generator 112. If code authenticator 122 determines that uniquecode 214 was generated based on identification information 212 using thealgorithm, then code authenticator 122 determines that part 210 isauthentic. Otherwise, if code authenticator 122 determines that uniquecode 214 was not generated based on identification information 212 usingthe algorithm, then code authenticator 122 determines that part 210 isnot authentic.

One or more features of part 210, such as features related to enhancedperformance, may be activated if code authenticator 122 determines thatpart 210 is authentic. Furthermore, if authentic, unique code 214 may bestored by code authenticator 122 (e.g., in a storage entity associatedwith code authenticator 122) as an authenticated code to prevent re-useof unique code 214. If part 210 is determined not to be authentic, thencode authenticator 122 may notify the customer that authentication hasfailed.

FIG. 3 illustrates example operations 300 for generating a unique codeaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure. Operations 300 maybe performed, for example, by code generator 112 of FIGS. 1 and 2A.

At 302, identification information is acquired from a part. For example,a serial number, manufacturing or refurbishment date, and/or a supplieridentifier may be entered into code generator 112 by a supplier of thepart.

At 304, an algorithm is used to generate a unique code based on theidentification information. For example, the algorithm may be applied tothe identification information in order to generate the unique code.

At 306, a unique code is output and affixed to the part. For example,code generator 112 may output the unique code in the form of a bar code,and the bar code may be affixed to the part on a label.

FIG. 4 illustrates example operations 400 for part authentication basedon a unique code according to embodiments of the present disclosure.Operations 400 may be performed, for example, by code authenticator 122of FIGS. 1 and 2B, and may be performed when a customer installs a partof a manufacturing tool.

At 402, the identification information and the unique code are acquiredfrom the part. For example, the customer may use a bar code scanner orother imaging device to scan one or more bar codes affixed to the partin order to provide the identification information and unique code asinput to code authenticator 122.

At 404, it is determined, using a stored algorithm whether the uniquecode was generated based on the identification information. For example,the stored algorithm may be applied to the identification information inorder to determine whether the result matches the unique code.

At 406, if it is determined that the unique code was not generated basedon the identification information or that the unique code was previouslystored (e.g., indicating that the unique code has already been used),then operations continue at step 408, where it is determined that thepart is not authentic. Otherwise if it is determined at 406 that thatthe unique code was generated based on the identification informationand was not previously stored, then operations continue at step 410,where it is determined that the part is authentic.

At step 412, the unique code is stored as an authenticated code in orderto prevent re-use of the unique code.

At step 414, a feature of the part or a feature of process equipmentassociated with the part (e.g., wafer fabrication equipment) isactivated. For example, enhanced performance of the part may beactivated.

It is noted that operations 300 and 400 of FIGS. 3 and 4 are onlyincluded as examples, and other combinations of operations may beperformed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example computing system 500 used to improve partauthentication, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.In certain embodiments, computing system 500 is representative ofcomputing device 120 of FIG. 1. Aspects of computer system 500 may alsobe representative of other devices used to perform techniques describedherein (e.g., computing device 110 of FIG. 1).

As shown, the computing system 500 includes, without limitation, aprocessing unit 502, a memory 508, and storage 510, each connected to abus 512. The processing unit 502 may be a hardware or software componentthat executes instructions. Further, the computing elements shown incomputing system 500 may correspond to a physical computing system ormay be a virtual computing instance executing within a computing cloud.While not shown, computing system 500 may in some instances include anIO device interface that allows computing system 500 to connect to oneor more IO devices and/or a network interface that allows computingsystem 500 to connect to a network such as the Internet.

The processing unit 502 retrieves and executes programming instructionsstored in the memory 508 as well as stored in the storage 510. The bus512 is used to transmit programming instructions and application databetween the processing unit 502, storage 510, and memory 508. Note,processing unit 502 is included to be representative of a singleprocessing unit, multiple processing units, a single processing unithaving multiple processing cores, and the like, and the memory 508 isgenerally included to be representative of a random access memory. Thestorage 510 may be any storage entity, such as a disk drive, flashstorage device, or the like. Although shown as a single unit, thestorage 510 may be a combination of fixed and/or removable storagedevices, such as fixed disc drives, removable memory cards, opticalstorage, network attached storage (NAS), or a storage area-network(SAN).

Illustratively, the memory 508 includes a code authenticator 516, whichperforms operations related to improving part authentication, accordingto techniques described herein. For example, code authenticator 516 maybe equivalent to code authenticator 122 in FIG. 1, and may use algorithm518 in storage 510 to determine whether a received unique code wasgenerated based on received identification information, and whether thereceived unique code is therefore authentic. If a unique code is foundto be authentic, code authenticator 516 stores the unique code as anauthenticated code 520 in storage 510. In certain embodiments, one ormore features of the part may be activated if the part is authentic.

In the preceding, reference is made to embodiments presented in thisdisclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limitedto specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of thefollowing features and elements, whether related to differentembodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practicecontemplated embodiments. Furthermore, although embodiments disclosedherein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over theprior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a givenembodiment is not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. Thus,the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merelyillustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of theappended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise,reference to “the invention” shall not be construed as a generalizationof any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not beconsidered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims exceptwhere explicitly recited in a claim(s).

Aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore,aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computerprogram product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s)having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readablestorage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples a computer readable storage medium include: anelectrical connection having one or more wires, a hard disk, a randomaccess memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, amagnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.In the current context, a computer readable storage medium may be anytangible medium that can contain, or store a program.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or exemplary aspectsor implementation(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the” and “said”are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.

The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having” are intended to beinclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than thelisted elements.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may bedevised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scopethereof is determined by the claims that follow.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for improvedpart authentication, comprising: acquiring information related to apart, wherein the information comprises: identification information ofthe part; and a unique code; applying a stored algorithm to theidentification information; determining whether the unique codecomprises a result of applying the stored algorithm to theidentification information; and responsive to determining that theunique code comprises the result of applying the stored algorithm to theidentification information, activating a feature of the part or afeature of process equipment associated with the part.
 2. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: upondetermining that the unique code does not comprise the result ofapplying the stored algorithm to the identification information of thepart, notifying a user that authentication has failed.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the identification information comprises one or more ofthe following: a serial number; a date; and a supplier identifier. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein acquiring the information related to thepart comprises: scanning a bar code associated with the part.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: storing the unique code as anauthenticated code; acquiring second information related to a secondpart, wherein the second information comprises: second identificationinformation of the second part; and a second unique code; upondetermining that the second unique code matches the stored authenticatedcode, notifying a user that authentication has failed.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the stored algorithm comprises a hash function.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the feature of the part relates to enhancedperformance of the part.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the part doesnot have an internal memory.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein theinformation is acquired from a label affixed to the part.
 10. Acomputing system, comprising: a memory storing instructions; and aprocessor to execute the instructions, the instructions when executed bythe processor causing the processor to perform a method for improvedpart authentication, the method comprising: acquiring informationrelated to a part, wherein the information comprises: identificationinformation of the part; and a unique code; applying a stored algorithmto the identification information; determining whether the unique codecomprises a result of applying the stored algorithm to theidentification information; and responsive to determining that theunique code comprises the result of applying the stored algorithm to theidentification information, activating a feature of the part or afeature of process equipment associated with the part.
 11. The computingsystem of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises: upondetermining that the unique code does not comprise the result ofapplying the stored algorithm to the identification information of thepart, notifying a user that authentication has failed.
 12. The computingsystem of claim 10, wherein the identification information comprises oneor more of the following: a serial number; a date; and a supplieridentifier.
 13. The computing system of claim 10, wherein acquiring theinformation related to the part comprises: scanning a bar codeassociated with the part.
 14. The computing system of claim 10, whereinthe method further comprises: storing the unique code as anauthenticated code; acquiring second information related to a secondpart, wherein the second information comprises: second identificationinformation of the second part; and a second unique code; upondetermining that the second unique code matches the stored authenticatedcode, notifying a user that authentication has failed.
 15. The computingsystem of claim 10, wherein the stored algorithm comprises a hashfunction.
 16. The computing system of claim 10, wherein the feature ofthe part relates to enhanced performance of the part.
 17. The computingsystem of claim 10, wherein the part does not have an internal memory.18. The computing system of claim 10, wherein the information isacquired from a label affixed to the part.
 19. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium comprising instructions that when executed by acomputing device cause the computing device to perform a method forimproved part authentication, the method comprising: acquiringinformation related to a part, wherein the information comprises:identification information of the part; and a unique code; applying astored algorithm to the identification information; determining whetherthe unique code comprises a result of applying the stored algorithm tothe identification information; and responsive to determining that theunique code comprises the result of applying the stored algorithm to theidentification information, activating a feature of the part or afeature of process equipment associated with the part.
 20. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the methodfurther comprises: upon determining that the unique code does notcomprise the result of applying the stored algorithm to theidentification information of the part, notifying a user thatauthentication has failed.